Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricketing icon, has recently opened up about his decision to retire from Test cricket, revealing that his father, Gurunath Sharma, was "a little disappointed" by his choice. This marks the first time Sharma has publicly addressed his retirement from the longest format of the game since his announcement on May 7th, 2025, ahead of India's tour of England.

Sharma made the revelation at a book launch event by Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara's wife, Puja Pujara, who wrote 'The Diary of a Cricketer's Wife'. He spoke about his father's profound influence on his career and the values he instilled in him. He highlighted his father's sacrifices to ensure the family had a good life, having worked for a transport company. Sharma also emphasized his father's deep-rooted love for Test cricket, a passion that clearly shaped his own approach to the game.

"He has always been a fan of Test cricket from day one," Sharma said, noting that his father "does not like this new age cricket." This appreciation for the traditional format was evident even on the day Sharma etched his name in history with a record-breaking 264 in an ODI against Sri Lanka. According to Sharma, his father's reaction was rather subdued, simply acknowledging it with an "Okay, well played, well done," lacking the excitement one might expect for such a monumental achievement.

In contrast, Sharma recounted how his father would engage in detailed discussions about his performances in Test cricket, even if he only scored 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s. "That's the kind of love he had for the game," Sharma explained. This deep connection to red-ball cricket made Sharma's decision to retire from Tests an emotional one.

Sharma played 67 Tests, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. He also captained India in 24 Tests, securing 12 victories. However, his form had dipped in the 2024-25 season, averaging just 10.93 in 11 innings. This decline in form, coupled with India's series losses against New Zealand and Australia, led to increased scrutiny of his captaincy and place in the team.

While his father was "a little disappointed" by his retirement, Sharma clarified that his father was "happy as well at the same time." The veteran cricketer will continue to represent India in ODIs, where he remains a key player.

Sharma's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. His elegant strokeplay, calm demeanor, and tactical acumen will be missed. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged Sharma's "glorious Test career," praising his leadership during a "phase of transition and injuries." They highlighted his transformation from a middle-order batsman to a successful Test opener, emphasizing his adaptability and commitment to the format.

Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, expressed his disappointment at the retirement of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. He stated that "The greatest players should play till 50 years of age" and that their absence would leave a void in motivating the younger players. He also claimed that Rohit Sharma needed someone to motivate him to work on his fitness and that both players had a lot more to offer to Indian cricket.